Organization
The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman was formed on October 17, 1865 to promote the trade and to offer formal training to its members to insure better craftsmanship. Bricklayers Local 8 was chartered on April 1, 1902.

Nature of Trade
Bricklayers construct walls, partitions, fireplaces, chimneys, and other structures from brick. They also use masonry materials, such as concrete, cinder, or gypsum block; precast panels made of brick, cement, tile, stone, marble, structural tile, to terra cotta. They also install the brick linings of industrial kilns and furnaces. Bricklayers use hand tools, including chisels, trowels, jointers, bricklayer's hammers, plumb bobs, mason's rulers and levels. Power saws are sometimes used for cutting masonry materials.

Qualifications
Applicants for apprenticeship must meet the following requirements:

1. Must be at least 18 years old
2. Must be able to furnish references from reliable persons
3. Must be of good moral character and demonstrate proper attitude toward the trade
4. Must be a good high school graduate

Application, Selection and Hiring Process
Applications are taken anytime. A list of eligble apprentices is established by the highest score and ordered by ranking. Apprentice openings are filled by descending order from the list.

Assignment of apprentices is made by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee. As openings for apprenticeships are made available, each applicant on file is considered on the basis of the highest qualifications. Actual placement of candidates into the program is made according to demand in the trade.